Archbishop Emeritus of Split, Monsignor Frane Franic, was celebrating his 60 years of priesthood in December 1996. He was a much beloved bishop and the Mass offered for his 60th anniversary in Split’s Cathedral overflowed with the faithful. He has been a courageous witness to the events of Medjugorje. He desired to go to Medjugorje for his anniversary to give thanks to Our Lady for having opened the way to conversion to him. During his visit to Medjugorje, he gave his testimony and said:
“I learnt to pray in Medjugorje and it was there that I was able to understand and develop mystical theology…Each priest must pray at least three hours a day, each bishop at least four and each bishop emeritus at least five! I acknowledge the authenticity of the messages of Our Lady in Medjugorje.â€
He was greatly applauded. Archbishop Franic strongly disagreed with Bishop Zanic’s approach to Medjugorje. When Bishop Zanich wrote disparaging articles about Medjugorje, Franic felt obliged to defend Medjugorje, the visionaries and priests and to bring clarity to the issues that Zanic raised. He did so to defend Our Lady, but it often won for him persecution from those who did not share his views. Like John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger, Franic believed Medjugorje to be connected to Vatican II and the new springtime of the Church. Not to accept the gift God was granting the Church would have its consequences, as Archbishop Franic stated:
“If Jesus has sent His Mother to preach about conversion, then Her call is definitely coupled with a great grace of conversion which can only be received at Medjugorje. Jesus wanted exactly those graces, which He is distributing through His Mother, the Queen of Peace, to give peace to our people. That’s why I feel that those who have hindered a greater response to Our Lady Queen of Peace in Medjugorje carry a great responsibility…â€
